Catalyst
/ˈkætəlɪst/
nounB2
Definition
A catalyst is a person, thing, or event that makes a change happen faster or starts an important process, but it does not change itself. It is often used in science to describe a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being used up. In everyday language, it can mean anything that causes a quick change or action.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
In science, a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without changing itself
- •The enzyme acted as a catalyst to speed up digestion.
- •Catalysts are important in many industrial processes.
- •Without a catalyst, the reaction would take much longer.
In everyday use, a person or event that causes a quick or important change
- •The new leader was a catalyst for reform in the company.
- •The protest acted as a catalyst for political change.
- •Sometimes a small event can be the catalyst for a big decision.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "catalyst" like "cause" (A1 word), but a special cause that speeds things up without changing itself
- ✓Picture a spark that lights a fire quickly but does not burn away itself
- ✓It's the feeling of someone saying one word that suddenly makes everyone start talking or acting
- ✓Sounds like "CAT-uh-list" → imagine a cat jumping and quickly starting a race (the cat starts action fast)
- ✓In stories, a sudden event or person that makes everything change fast is a catalyst
- ✓NOT like "change" (which is the result), a catalyst is what makes the change happen faster
- ✓NOT like "actor" (someone who acts), a catalyst causes action but does not do the action itself
- ✓NOT like "fuel" (which is used up), a catalyst helps but stays the same
Try Other Words
- •Trigger: something that starts an event or reaction (Use when emphasizing the start of an event)
- •Stimulus: something that encourages action or change (Use in scientific or formal contexts)
- •Impetus: a force that makes something happen faster (Use when focusing on motivation or driving force)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Greek "kata-" (down, against) + "lyein" (to loosen, dissolve) → meaning "to loosen down"
- •Etymology: borrowed from Greek through Latin in the 17th century, originally used in chemistry
- •Historical development: first used to describe substances speeding chemical reactions, later used metaphorically for people/events that cause change
- •Modern usage: common in science, business, and everyday language to describe something that causes or speeds up change without being changed
Reflect & Connect
•Can a person be a catalyst in your life? How might they help you change or grow faster?
•What events in history do you think acted as catalysts for big changes in society?
Fill in the blanks
1.The new manager was a catalyst ___ major improvements in the office ___ a short time.
2.In chemistry, a catalyst speeds up a reaction without ___ itself.
3.The unexpected news acted as a catalyst ___ the team to work harder and faster.
4.Unlike a cause, a catalyst makes the change happen ___ and often without being changed.
5.The protest was not the problem, but the catalyst ___ the government to act.
6.A catalyst often works quietly behind the scenes, ___ the main event to happen.
7.When a catalyst is present, reactions or changes usually ___ more quickly than normal.